Robert Hart-Irving, or "Rob," as everybody calls him except for his nana, was born to criminal defense attorney Jason Irving and his then-partner-now-husband, oncologist Silas Hart. The pair met in boarding school in Arizona, but moved to San Francisco for university after a hot night of sex that was supposed to be a one night stand led to a moment where they realized that there were strong feelings between them. They've been a couple ever since, and thrived in the huge LGBT community in San Francisco. It was there that they met Rosalinda Hernandez, a young lesbian who would become one of their best friends, and eventually offer them the use of her uterus when they decided they wanted a baby. Jason was more than skeptical at first, but Silas was sold on the idea, and after thinking it over and talking it over, Jason finally gave in.

Rob is close to both of his dads, and has a special relationship with his biological mother, who is very much like an aunt. He never wanted for anything growing up, both of his fathers extremely hardworking and ambitious. He was always nurtured in his interests, and both of his fathers were extremely proud of him when he decided that he wanted to teach young children, and got into Long Island University's education program, where he could pursue his dreams, if on the other side of the country. Both of his dads were extremely reluctant to see him go, but they're proud to see their little boy all grown up, and the kind of man that he's becoming.

Rob is far from your typical, California surfer type, instead being the picture of a nerd. He loves science fiction, excels in school, and has even been to comic book conventions on more than one occasion. It was this nerdiness that helped him to bond immediately with Max Sullivan when they met in their first year at Long Island University, where Max was studying photography, and Rob education. They were roommates there, and one of their closest friends was feisty redhead, Rose Gresham, making for quite the trio, or sometimes foursome when joined by the fag to Rose's hag, Damien Larson.

There are very few secrets among the group of friends, but the one that is most closely held is Rob's own secret that he's had a huge crush on Rose pretty much since they met. But he's definitely a shy nerd, and has never quite gotten his nerve up to ask her out. Unfortunately for him, it may well be too late before he ever gets up his nerve.